Doug Wolters
October 2026 - Dahlia from the Dahlia Society's 91 Annual Show
Original
About the Image(s)
Shot with an Olympus OM 1, Olympus 60mm macro lens, 1/50 sec. at f/ 9.0, ISO 4000. Shot at the Dahlia Society’s 91st annual show. I love this photo; do you think there is enough here?
9 comments posted
Hi Doug,
I love dahlias. It's like you can't go wrong. They are so beautiful. The varieties are so numerous. It's a lovely study of the color combination and petal structure of this particular bloom. Although, now that I have stared at your original, I see lots of little puppy teeth, lol. But I guess macro will do that to the viewer. I do feel as if the vignette is a bit strong, although I understand you wanting to use one. I find myself studying the original more than your final because I am distracted by the vignette. The original also leaves me wanting to see the whole flower! So pretty! I bet it was even more vibrant than the photo! Posted: 10/03/2026 00:09:55
I love dahlias. It's like you can't go wrong. They are so beautiful. The varieties are so numerous. It's a lovely study of the color combination and petal structure of this particular bloom. Although, now that I have stared at your original, I see lots of little puppy teeth, lol. But I guess macro will do that to the viewer. I do feel as if the vignette is a bit strong, although I understand you wanting to use one. I find myself studying the original more than your final because I am distracted by the vignette. The original also leaves me wanting to see the whole flower! So pretty! I bet it was even more vibrant than the photo! Posted: 10/03/2026 00:09:55
HI Doug, I love dahlias also! Would love to go to an annual dahlia show but here in Sacramento -- too hot, probably.
I have to say the white tips do seem a bit much for me, in this close-up. That, plus the white vignette, attracts my gaze to the white parts and then I miss the whole flower. I'd love to see some other dahlias in a shot like this, without the white tips. Or, I think if we could see more of the flower, and some of the backdrop around it, would be really nice.
One other thing - there's a little tear in one of the petals a bit right of center that you could easily repair in photoshop.
How about creating a vignette that's closer in color the the pink on the petals? Might be worth a try. Posted: 10/06/2026 01:02:27
I have to say the white tips do seem a bit much for me, in this close-up. That, plus the white vignette, attracts my gaze to the white parts and then I miss the whole flower. I'd love to see some other dahlias in a shot like this, without the white tips. Or, I think if we could see more of the flower, and some of the backdrop around it, would be really nice.
One other thing - there's a little tear in one of the petals a bit right of center that you could easily repair in photoshop.
How about creating a vignette that's closer in color the the pink on the petals? Might be worth a try. Posted: 10/06/2026 01:02:27
Doug, nice to see your work. Nice crisp shot of your Dahlia with the entire image sharp and well lite. I think you captured a strong pattern and vignette at the edges.
I assume that you had some parameters to deal with at such a show, limiting your equipment changes etc. To my personal likes, I would have presented one of the more colorful varieties. Not to complain about your choices, but I bet there were more options. Posted: 10/08/2026 20:38:06
I assume that you had some parameters to deal with at such a show, limiting your equipment changes etc. To my personal likes, I would have presented one of the more colorful varieties. Not to complain about your choices, but I bet there were more options. Posted: 10/08/2026 20:38:06
I sometimes do not post my best images, but post ones that I'm curious to see what people think of that image. Yes, I have many colorful ones. Do you think there is enough here to keep someone's attention? Posted: 10/08/2026 21:18:13
For me, there's something missing here and I think what it is is that the white tips are distracting and my preference for this kind of picture would be for it to be a lot sharper. That would grab my attention. Cuz I like to see the texture in the flowers. That would interest me. Posted: 10/08/2026 22:27:06
Yes, especially if you don't remove that brown ?? on the 2nd row down (right) :-) Posted: 10/09/2026 01:28:20
Beautiful photo of this bright pink Dahlia, Doug.
Like the softness of the photo complementing the fragility of flowers, it create an illusion.
I must admit I would prefer the edges to be a shade of pink complimenting the Dahlia. Remember the eye and brain automatically focusses on the brightest spot of your photo. Posted: 10/14/2026 11:43:19
Like the softness of the photo complementing the fragility of flowers, it create an illusion.
I must admit I would prefer the edges to be a shade of pink complimenting the Dahlia. Remember the eye and brain automatically focusses on the brightest spot of your photo. Posted: 10/14/2026 11:43:19
Hi Doug, This is an appealing closeup study of dahlia petals! In terms of comments, I basically agree with the observations of others. The vignette is a good idea but is a bit too intense - consider toning it down. The tear in the petal is distracting once the eye becomes aware of it - consider cloning this out. And finally, I like the detail in the petals, but as Donna remarked, they could be sharper, particularly the center row. This would increase the "feel" of texture and impart more impact to the image. Posted: 10/24/2026 21:54:38
Absolutely, Doug! I think there's more than enough here. The beautiful repetition of petals, delicate white tips, and lovely pink tones create a wonderful sense of rhythm and harmony. I particularly like how you've filled the frame, turning a simple flower into an almost abstract composition. Sometimes simplicity is what makes an image so captivating. Beautifully seen and captured! Posted: 10/25/2026 06:55:10